Increasing Canadian exports in fast-growing Asia-Pacific markets will create jobs, growth and prosperity for Canadians

March 12, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today marked the conclusion of the 16th round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, which took place in Singapore from March 4 to 13, 2013.

“Opening new markets for our exporters in fast-growing Asia-Pacific markets is key to creating new jobs and new sources of economic growth and prosperity for all Canadians,” said Minister Fast. “The TPP talks have been enhanced by Canada’s participation, and I am pleased that progress was made in Singapore.”

Canada formally joined the TPP on October 8, 2012. The TPP is a significant and strategic grouping of advanced and growing economies, which has the potential to become one of the largest trading blocs in the world.

Currently made up of 11 countries—Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam—the TPP represents a market of nearly 658 million people and a combined GDP of $20.7 trillion.

“The TPP offers a tremendous opportunity to expand our partnerships in Asia while reaffirming and invigorating existing relationships in the Americas,” said Minister Fast. “Concluding an agreement with our TPP partners that advances Canadian interests is a key part of the most ambitious trade expansion plan our country has ever seen.”

In less than six years, the Harper government has concluded trade agreements with nine countries: Colombia, Honduras, Jordan, Panama, Peru, and the European Free Trade Association member states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Canada is also engaged in negotiations with large, dynamic and fast-growing markets, including the European Union, India and Japan.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Rudy HusnyPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Ed FastMinister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway613-992-7332rudy.husny@international.gc.ca

Trade Media Relations OfficeForeign Affairs and International Trade Canada613-996-2000Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade